Текст книги "The Horn of Moran"

Автор книги: Mark Forman

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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Four

Oslansk

Alex and his companions looked up at the impressive house that had obviously been built with great care and attention to detail. They were just turning away to lead their horses to the stables when an excited voice shouted behind them.

“Andy!”

They all turned around to see who had yelled, and they all smiled as a tall, skinny boy came racing out of the house toward the company.

“We didn’t know you’d be back so soon,” Michael said, throwing his arms around Andy and almost knocking him over. “Father and Mother will be so pleased. Father was worried that you’d have trouble, you know, finding the members of your company. He was afraid it would take some time and that you wouldn’t be back in time for the weddings.”

“Well, we are back in time,” said Andy. “And with a week to spare.” He grinned. “We were lucky to find our company quickly. And if you’ll let us put our horses away, I’ll introduce you to my friends.”

Michael let go of Andy and looked around at the rest of the company, his eyes growing wide. Alex could tell that Michael was glad to see his brother and that he was also impressed that his brother had so many adventurers with him.

“My apologies, sirs,” said Michael, bowing to the company. “I have forgotten my manners. Please, allow me to care for your horses. My father will wish to greet you and welcome you to our house.”

“We can tend to our own horses,” Bregnest replied. “And you need not be so formal with your brother’s good friends.”

Michael blushed bright red at Bregnest’s words, but his face showed how pleased he was. The company all laughed quietly to themselves as they led their horses to the stable. Michael stayed close by Andy, but his eyes watched the rest of the company.

“Come, my friends,” said Andy, once their horses were taken care of. “My brother is correct in saying that my father will wish to greet you all.”

Andy put his arm around Michael’s shoulders and led the group toward the house. Michael almost tripped as they went along because he kept looking at the company over Andy’s arm.

Before they had reached the house, Andy’s parents appeared in the doorway. Andy’s mother seemed almost as delighted as Michael to see Andy home again, and she rushed forward to hug him and kiss him on the cheek. Andy blushed but continued to smile. Andy’s father, however, simply patted his son on the shoulder and then turned to face his guests.

“Perhaps, when my son can break free, he will introduce us all.”

“There is little need for formal introductions among friends,” said Bregnest, stepping forward.

“No, I suppose not,” Andy’s father agreed. “I am Argus Goodseed, and I welcome you all to my house.”

“I am Silvan Bregnest. Your kindness overwhelms us, Master Goodseed.”

“Well said, Master Bregnest,” Argus replied. “Please, let us do away with all formality if you will. I am simply Argus, and that should be enough between friends.”

Bregnest laughed softly and nodded his agreement. He turned to the company and introduced each of them to Argus. As each man was named, he stepped forward and bowed slightly to Andy’s father.

“Alexander Taylor,” said Argus, when Alex was introduced. “Andy has told us a great deal about you. And Michael has been dying to meet you.”

“I’m afraid that Andy has said too much,” Alex replied. “I hope I can live up to whatever he has told you.”

“I’m sure you will,” said Argus. “And I doubt that Andy has said as much as you fear. He’s been very secretive about some of the things that happened on your last adventure together.

“Now, my friends, let me introduce my wife, Azure,” Argus went on. “And it seems that you have already made the acquaintance of my youngest son, Michael.”

“We have indeed made young Michael’s acquaintance,” said Bregnest. “And I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say it is a great pleasure to meet Mistress Goodseed.”

The six companions all bowed to Andy’s mother, who blushed slightly. Michael, however, suddenly became shy and looked down at his shoes.

“I regret that my eldest son, Lazarus, is not here to greet you,” said Argus, in a slightly harder tone. “He’s off wandering the city with his friends, but he will be here this evening to offer you a proper welcome.”

“I should think that it would be hard to keep him at home, with such a wonderful city to explore,” said Bregnest.

“Oslansk is indeed wonderful,” Argus agreed. “I suppose we should come here more often, but our lands are several days’ ride to the west and north.”

Argus continued talking as he led them into the house. Rooms had been prepared for each of them, away from the busy and noisy parts of the estate. Once Alex and the others had been shown to their rooms, Mrs. Goodseed excused herself, but Michael remained next to Andy.

“May I offer you some refreshment?” Argus asked. “We can have a bite and a drink or two, and perhaps swap tales of adventures past.”

“A pleasing idea,” said Bregnest. “Though I think a few of my company would like nothing better than to go looking for their friends Skeld and Tayo.”

“Ah, yes,” said Argus with a nod. “Andy, you know where those two troublemakers are. Take your friends and show them the way.”

“Can I go too?” Michael asked in a pleading tone.

“Not right now, Michael,” Argus answered in a kind but firm tone. “Perhaps tomorrow they will take you with them, but not right now.”

Alex and Halfdan both bowed to Argus as they prepared to follow Andy into the city. Alex made a point of asking both Sindar and Val if they would like to come along, but they both said they would rather stay behind and share stories with Bregnest and Argus.

Andy led Alex and Halfdan back into the streets of Oslansk, almost bouncing as he walked. The city was large, but he seemed to know exactly where he was going, and he led his friends quickly through the narrow, busy streets.

“Well, if it isn’t Anders Goodseed,” commented an unpleasant-sounding voice as Andy, Alex, and Halfdan walked into a large square. All three of them turned to see who had spoken.

Standing in front of a booth that sold sandwiches was an extremely fat and unpleasant-looking young man. Alex wondered who he was, and how Andy knew him.

“Been off fighting dragons again, have you?” the fat young man sneered. The two companions behind him chuckled.

“Hello, Otho,” Andy replied pleasantly. “I see you’re still trying to eat everything in the city.”

Otho didn’t say anything, but turned red as he stuffed his half-finished sandwich into his mouth.

Andy turned and walked away, and Alex and Halfdan followed after a slight delay.

“Who is that overweight windbag?” asked Halfdan once he and Alex had caught up to Andy.

“Otho Longtree,” said Andy, his voice tight with anger. “He’s the heir of Osgood Longtree.”

“And who is Osgood Longtree?” Alex questioned.

“He’s the city magistrate,” said Andy, slowing his pace and softening his tone. “Osgood is a good man, but Otho . . .”

Andy didn’t finish and started to walk faster again.

“Otho seems to be a bit of a bully,” Halfdan observed thoughtfully.

“He is,” said Andy shortly. “He thinks that just because his father is the magistrate, he’s a big deal around here.”

“I really don’t like bullies,” said Alex, looking back over his shoulder at the fat Otho Longtree.

“Nobody does,” said Andy, a slight smile returning to his face. “In fact, it would be hard to find anyone the people here in Oslansk like less than Otho.”

“Then why hasn’t someone put him in his place?” Halfdan questioned.

Andy paused for a moment. “It’s because his father is such a good man and an excellent magistrate. Nobody wants to tell Osgood that his son is a bully—or worse.”

“Someone should,” said Halfdan in a serious tone.

“I suppose so,” said Andy. “But I think the news would break Osgood’s heart. Most people think that Osgood’s sorrow would be worse than putting up with Otho, so no one says anything.”

“What was his crack about fighting dragons?” Alex asked.

“I told Michael about our last adventure,” Andy answered with a shrug of his shoulders. “It seems he’s been telling the story to anyone who will listen—you know, about Slathbog and all.”

Alex knew that Andy was proud of his little brother and pleased that Michael believed the story about Slathbog. It didn’t seem to matter very much to Andy that Otho didn’t believe any of it.

They continued across the square until they reached a large tavern on the far side. The sign in front read The Dragon’s Keep. The three of them laughed when they saw the poor replica of a dragon painted above the name.

“Skeld and Tayo have been staying here,” said Andy as they entered. “They’ve both bought houses, of course, but tradition won’t let them move in until they’re married.”

“This isn’t what we ordered,” they heard Skeld say loudly. “If you can’t get it right, we’ll just have to find someone who can.”

“And who might that be?” Alex asked in a loud voice, spotting Skeld and Tayo standing at the bar next to a nervous-looking man.

“What?” said Skeld, turning to see who had spoken. His eyes widened, and he poked Tayo in the side, making him turn around as well.

“Alex?” Skeld said in amazement.

“Halfdan?” Tayo echoed.

“What—didn’t you think we’d show up?” Halfdan asked with a grunting laugh.

There were no more words for several minutes as Tayo and Skeld rushed across the room and started hugging Alex, Halfdan, and Andy.

“We didn’t expect to see you so soon,” said Tayo.

“Andy said he was going to join Bregnest’s new adventure and that he hoped you would both be joining as well,” said Skeld to Alex and Halfdan. “But we weren’t sure either of you would be coming.”

“Well, we have come,” said Halfdan. “So why don’t you finish your business and then we can talk in peace.”

“What? Oh,” said Skeld. “All right, Oscar, I suppose you’d better try again.”

The nervous-looking man at the bar nodded, looking relieved. He bowed to both Skeld and Tayo before moving swiftly away from the bar and hurrying toward the door.

“What was all that about?” Alex questioned as Oscar ducked out of the tavern.

“He’s doing a bit of cooking for the weddings,” said Tayo. “We thought we’d try to get some of the food we tried in Techen, but Oscar can’t seem to manage it.”

“Small wonder.” Halfdan laughed. “It’s not easy to duplicate Techen food.”

“No, it’s not,” said Skeld, looking sad. “But enough of this, let’s get a drink and have a good long talk.”

Soon the five of them were seated around a table set off to one side of the room. They all had a great many questions to ask, and Alex found himself answering the same questions that Andy and Halfdan had asked only a week before.

“What I want to know is how you two found women—sisters, for that matter—who would put up with you long enough to agree to marry you,” said Halfdan, shaking his head in wonder.

“It wasn’t easy,” said Skeld.

“And Andy didn’t help at all,” added Tayo.

“What did I do?” Andy asked in a stunned tone.

“It’s what you didn’tdo,” Skeld commented. “You didn’t make yourself scarce. Where love is concerned, two is company, three is just annoying.”

“Well, if that’s all my company is good for . . .” said Andy in mock fury.

“It seems to me that Andy was trying to help you two,” said Alex. “Or maybe he was trying to help your future wives.”

They all burst into laughter at this comment, and it was some time before any of them could speak again.

“It’s good to see you all again,” said Tayo. “We haven’t laughed so much since . . .”

“Since we got Andy drunk and he fell off his horse,” Skeld finished for Tayo, and they both started laughing again.

“What did they do to you?” Halfdan asked Andy in a concerned voice.

“Oh, it was nothing really,” said Andy, his face turning bright red. “After Skeld asked Lilly to marry him, we were celebrating a little, and I had a bit too much to drink.”

“More than a bit,” Tayo corrected.

“Much more than a bit,” added Skeld.

“Well, anyway,” Andy went on, “for some reason I thought I’d ride around the square, and I just fell off my horse.”

“Fell off and landed in a water trough,” Tayo burst out.

“And because it was still winter, when he got back inside, he was covered with icicles and frost,” Skeld added.

“We thought a snow beast was coming into the tavern,” said Tayo. “I’ve never seen so many people run for the doors so fast.”

“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” said Andy in a defiant tone. They all burst into laughter once more.

“It is good to have you all here,” Tayo said, recovering his voice. “Especially you, Alex.”

“Why me?” Alex questioned.

“Because Tayo and I have something important to ask you,” said Skeld, becoming more serious than Alex had ever seen him.

“What might that be?”

“We would like to ask you to be our ring bearer,” Tayo answered.

“What would I have to do?” Alex questioned.

“You bring the rings to the wedding and present them to us at the proper time,” said Skeld.

“You’ll have to wear special clothes,” said Tayo. “But Skeld and I would be honored to buy them for you.”

“What kind of clothes?” Alex questioned.

“Oh, they’re normal clothes—just all of one color,” Skeld said, seeing the suspicious look on Alex’s face.

“Yes, dark blue is the customary color for a ring bearer’s clothes,” Tayo explained. “You would do us a great honor if you would accept. Having a wizard as a ring bearer is considered good luck and a promise for a long and joyful marriage.”

“Well, if that’s all there is to it, I accept,” said Alex, feeling slightly relieved that his friends hadn’t asked him to do anything strange or magical. He also hoped that, for his friend’s sakes, that a wizard in training would be just as lucky as a real wizard.

“You do us a great kindness,” said Skeld, standing and bowing to Alex.

“We are once more in your debt,” Tayo added, also standing and bowing.

“Now we must arrange for you all to meet our ladies,” said Skeld, taking his seat once more.

“Bregnest must come as well,” Tayo added.

“And the rest of your company,” Skeld went on.

“The two of you have lost your minds,” said Halfdan loudly. “I never thought I’d see you two acting this way. Thrang won’t believe me when I tell him.”

“What way?” Skeld asked with a wicked grin.

“The way you’re both acting now,” Halfdan answered, waving his hand at them. “It’s as if you are both bewitched, and I don’t mind saying that it scares me.”

“Bewitched by love,” said Tayo.

“Bewitched by beauty,” Skeld added.

“Andy, you should have thrown them both in that water trough,” said Halfdan, letting out a loud huff and then taking a long drink from his mug.

Alex could see what Halfdan meant, but he didn’t let his friends’ strange behavior bother him. He thought perhaps they were both more alive and more serious than they had been before, and the mix seemed to fit them.

Over a second drink they all agreed to meet the next morning. Tayo and Skeld would take Alex to buy his new clothes, and then they’d make arrangements for the entire company to come and meet their wives-to-be. With their plans made, Alex, Andy, and Halfdan left their friends at the tavern and started back to the Goodseed house.

“They’ve changed,” said Halfdan as Alex and Andy followed him out of the tavern. “And I’m not at all sure it’s for the better.”

It had been a joyful reunion, but now the sun was setting and it was time for their evening meal. As they walked back through the square, Alex kept an eye out for Otho Longtree. He’d decided that he didn’t like Otho, and if the opportunity to put him in his place arose, he might just take it.

During dinner with Andy’s family, Halfdan was quick to tell Bregnest how strangely Skeld and Tayo were acting and how different they seemed to be. Bregnest listened to everything Halfdan said, but didn’t comment.

Andy’s older brother, Lazarus, was at dinner as Argus had said he would be, and he was almost as excited to meet them all as his little brother Michael had been. It was clear, at least to Alex, that Lazarus was as proud of Andy as Andy was of Michael.

After dinner they all sat around the table talking. Argus Goodseed was interested in their stories of adventures and news from distant lands. Both Lazarus and Michael sat still as stone and hardly moved a muscle while Bregnest told a story from one of his adventures. They all clapped loudly when he finished his tale. Then Mrs. Goodseed told Michael it was time for bed.

“But, Mother,” said Michael, in a desperate and pleading voice. “Just one more story, please.”

“Your mother is quite right,” said Bregnest, standing up. “It is time for all of us to seek our beds. We have traveled far in a short time, and we have a great deal to do before we will be ready to continue our adventure.”

They all said goodnight to Andy’s family and made their way to their own rooms. Alex, however, did not go to bed, but sat up for some time reading his magic books and going over one of his father’s old notebooks. He also wrote a short letter to Whalen, letting him know that everything was fine. He climbed into his bed, still thinking of how oddly Skeld and Tayo had been acting. Halfdan’s comment about them both being bewitched made him smile, and he soon slipped into a deep sleep.

* * *

When Alex woke up the next morning it wasn’t because he wanted to. Halfdan was shaking his bed wildly and laughing at the shocked and confused expression on Alex’s face.

“Come on then,” said Halfdan. “We’ve got to get your new clothes, and you and I have a bit of shopping to do as well.”

“I feel like I’ve only just gone to sleep,” Alex complained, rolling off his bed and onto his feet.

“Norsland nights are short in the spring and summer months,” Halfdan said.

Alex didn’t reply as he staggered sleepily toward the basin to wash his face. The ice-cold water was a shock, but it woke him up better than Halfdan had. Looking out his window, Alex could see sunlight already spreading over Oslansk.

“What’s for breakfast?” Alex asked, stamping on his boots and following Halfdan out of the room.

“Mrs. Goodseed has seen to it, so come on,” Halfdan answered.

In fact, Andy’s mother had prepared a large breakfast of fried potatoes, eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and several other dishes that were clearly Norsland specialties. Alex tried some of everything and had second helpings of a dish that was made up of rice, some kind of meat, cheese, and a sweet sauce.

Michael was full of questions that morning, and he couldn’t seem to keep himself from asking them. The members of the company tried to answer him as well as they could, but it seemed that every answer brought new questions from Michael.

As they were finishing their breakfast, Skeld and Tayo arrived to take Alex to get his new clothes. They spent several minutes talking to Bregnest and teasing him about his being on another adventure so soon after the last one. Bregnest endured their teasing good-naturedly. Then he introduced Val and Sindar to Skeld and Tayo. Skeld and Tayo were pleased to meet them both and asked them to come to a feast that evening with the others. The new members of the company accepted the invitation and thanked Skeld and Tayo for their kindness.

As soon as the arrangements for the evening feast had been made, Skeld, Tayo, Alex, and Halfdan were on their way out the gate. Andy said he had things to do as well and left with Lazarus.

Once the company had separated, Halfdan asked Skeld and Tayo where they could buy a saddle as a present for Michael’s upcoming birthday. Skeld and Tayo thought it was a wonderful idea, but they also thought it would be very funny if Andy didn’t buy his brother a horse after all.

“That would be terrible,” said Alex. “A saddle but no horse—what kind of birthday present would that be for Michael?”

“It might give him something to look forward to next year,” said Tayo.

Alex stopped dead in his tracks, looking at the shops and people around him. For the second time on this adventure, Alex felt like he was being watched. There was a strange intensity to the feeling, as if he were waiting for some unseen person to appear or speak.

“What’s the matter, Alex?” Halfdan questioned as he turned to see what Alex was looking at.

“Oh, sorry. I just had a feeling. It’s nothing to worry about.”

“A feeling?” Skeld asked, a note of concern in his voice.

“I just felt like someone was watching us,” said Alex. Then he waved his hand in a dismissive way. “I’m sure it’s nothing. I don’t think I had enough sleep last night.”

Alex was glad that the others didn’t ask any more questions. He didn’t think he could explain the feeling that he’d had, and he was more than happy to let the subject drop.

Their conversation returned to Michael’s saddle. Halfdan suggested that they buy the saddle but keep it in his magic bag. If it turned out that Andy didn’t buy the horse, they wouldn’t have to say anything at all about a saddle.

“Ah, dwarfs and their cunning ways,” Skeld teased.

They soon arrived at the tailor’s shop, and it wasn’t long before Alex found himself dressed in a fine dark blue set of clothes with silver buttons. The shopkeeper approved of the fit, and Skeld and Tayo began arguing over which of them would pay for the new clothes. To settle the argument, they simply bought Alex a second set of clothes, this time all in dark silver-gray.

“You can wear the gray ones to the party the day after the weddings,” said Tayo.

Alex thanked Skeld and Tayo for their gift and joked with Halfdan about how odd their friends were acting. Skeld and Tayo shrugged off any comments on their strange behavior as they led the way to a shop where Alex and Halfdan could buy a saddle. Halfdan had an eye for quality work, so Alex let him choose the saddle they would buy. Once the saddle was safely in Halfdan’s magic bag, the four friends wandered back into the streets of Oslansk.

“Are there any dwarf smiths here in Oslansk?” Alex asked offhandedly.

“Well, there’s old Elwig—but he does jewelry more than weapons,” Tayo commented.

“Perhaps he can help me,” said Alex, winking at Halfdan.

“Help you with what?” Skeld questioned.

“Oh, nothing really,” said Alex. “Now I suppose Halfdan and I should leave you two, as we still have gifts to buy for the wedding.”

“There is little need for that,” both Skeld and Tayo protested.

“Little need for you perhaps,” Halfdan answered. “Andy told us of the customs here: that friends of the grooms give gifts to the brides.”

“Well, yes, that true,” Tayo agreed. “But you are both honored guests. And Alex is already acting as our ring bearer.”

“That doesn’t matter,” said Alex. “I think your ladies deserve a gift. Perhaps something magical that will keep you two in line.”

They all laughed at Alex’s words, though Halfdan, seeing the nervous look that Skeld and Tayo exchanged, laughed harder still.

“I don’t suppose you really do know a spell that would keep those two in line, do you?” Halfdan asked Alex as they walked in the direction of Elwig’s shop.

“No, I don’t. But it will be something for them both to think about, at least for a little while.”

The people of Oslansk were both friendly and helpful, and it didn’t take long for Alex and Halfdan to find Elwig’s shop. The shop was a large one, and it was filled with hundreds of beautiful items.

Elwig was delighted to see Halfdan. Few dwarfs ever came to Oslansk, and Elwig was almost overcome with joy at seeing a kinsman. It wasn’t long before he was showing Alex and Halfdan everything in his shop that might be used as a wedding gift, as well as several things that could not.

“Brooches are a popular gift,” said Elwig, bringing out a large tray of brooches from behind his counter. “They’re functional and practical, and you don’t have to wear them every day.”

Alex looked at the brooches on the tray. Most were made of silver, though there were a few made of gold as well. Suddenly Alex had an idea, and he asked Elwig for a piece of paper and a quill. He carefully drew a picture and showed the drawing to Elwig.

“Can you make a brooch like this?” Alex asked hopefully.

Elwig studied Alex’s drawing. “An interesting idea. Yes, I think I understand what you want, but what would you like it made of?”

“True silver,” said Alex in a low tone.

“Oh, well,” Elwig stammered, “in that case, I don’t think that I can do that. I haven’t seen a bit of true silver in Norsland for years and years.”

“I can solve that problem easily enough,” said Alex, reaching for his magic bag. Alex had received a large amount of true silver on his last adventure, when he’d returned the first of seven lost magic bags he had recovered.

Elwig was stunned when Alex produced a large bag full of true silver, and for a moment he could not speak at all. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief, and then finally said that he could make what Alex wanted.

“And if your work is acceptable, you may keep the remaining true silver as payment,” said Alex.

“Oh, no, sir,” Elwig protested. “The payment is far too great.”

“If your work is acceptable, the payment will be as I have said,” Alex repeated firmly.

“You are most generous, sir,” Elwig said with a deep bow. “The work will be done as you request. I will have the brooches ready for you the day before the weddings.”

Halfdan and Alex left Elwig’s shop, agreeing to return the day before the weddings to collect the gifts. Halfdan had a slightly troubled look on his face as they left, and Alex asked him what was wrong.

“I think you may have offered too much for his work,” Halfdan answered.

“Perhaps.”

“Elwig will work night and day to make what you’ve requested. I hope he doesn’t overdo your design.”

“I did say the work had to be acceptable,” said Alex. “And I think he’ll do a fine job.”

“Let’s hope so.”

“Now, what about you?” Alex questioned. “What gifts will you be giving?”

“Ah, well, I’ve already got mine. Thrang and I had some things made before I left for Telous, so I’m well-prepared.”

“Then I suppose we should find our way back to the Goodseed house and see what the others are doing.”

Halfdan and Alex worked their way back through the busy streets, asking directions every now and then from people who were passing by. Everyone seemed to know where the Goodseed family was staying, and they were all eager to help the adventurers find their way.

When Alex and Halfdan were almost back to the house, however, Alex heard a voice he recognized. He held up his hand for Halfdan to stop and remain silent. From around the corner came the unmistakable voice of Michael Goodseed.

“You don’t know anything,” Michael said loudly.

“I know that he’s not a wizard,” the voice of fat Otho Longtree replied. “He doesn’t even have a staff.”

“He is,” Michael insisted. “My brother says so, and he was on an adventure with him before.”

“Balderdash. If he’s a wizard, I’m an ox—and if he’s even seen a dragon I’ll eat my hat.”

“He is a wizard,” Michael repeated, his voice sounding close to tears.

Alex motioned for Halfdan to stay still as he stepped around the corner.

Otho and four of his large companions were circled around Michael, cornering him against the wall. Alex saw at once that Otho was trying to make Michael cry, and he saw Michael’s desperate attempt not to do so. For an instant, Alex saw himself in Michael’s place, alone and too small to fight off his tormentors.

Alex had never been bullied in his life—his stepbrother, Todd, had made sure of that—but he had seen others suffer the humiliation. He remembered how his insides had twisted when older and stronger students had tormented friends at school, and anger began to rise in him as the memories returned.

“What’s all this?” Alex asked, his eyes locking onto Otho.

“No—nothing,” Otho answered, his eyes narrowing.

“Then I should ask if you’d like sauce with your hat,” said Alex, staring directly into Otho’s beady eyes. “Or perhaps it will taste better if I turn you into an ox first. Though you don’t seem to have enough brains to be an ox.”

Otho’s face grew bright red, and for a moment it seemed that he didn’t know what to say, but he soon found his voice once more.

“You—you wouldn’t dare,” said Otho nervously. “I’m the heir of Osgood Longtree, magistrate of the city.”

“And I’m a wizard who dislikes pompous bullies,” Alex spat back at him. “And I don’t really care who your father is. I think it’s time for you to be taught a lesson.”

“You’re no wizard,” answered Otho, but his tone was uncertain and laced with fear. “You don’t even have a staff.”

Alex felt magic building up inside of him as his emotions ran wild. A strange ringing sound filled his ears and mind, blinding him to everything but Otho and his words. He would prove who and what he was and silence this overstuffed bully once and for all.

Control your emotions, boy,a commanding voice echoed inside Alex’s head.

For no more than a second Alex lost track of what was happening. The anger drained out of him as quickly as it had come, and when he blinked, he saw Otho and his friends running up the road away from him. The feeling that someone was watching washed over Alex like a wave and then vanished like the wind.

“Are you all right, Michael?” Alex asked after several silent moments.

“Ye—yes,” Michael stuttered.

“Well, you’d better come along with us,” said Alex. “We’re just going home to see what there is for a midday meal.”

Michael moved slowly, and then with a few hurried words about making sure lunch was ready, he ran ahead of Alex and Halfdan.

Alex watched him go, worried that he might have scared him.

“Clever bit of magic that,” Halfdan commented as the two of them started off once more.

“What?”

“The white flames that sprang up around you as you spoke—very impressive. No heat, no damage, but very bright and surprising nonetheless.”

“I . . . I didn’t . . .” Alex stammered and then stopped, shaken by what Halfdan had said. He had almost lost control of his emotions, and if he had, he wasn’t sure what would have happened.

“I’d guess that Otho and his friends will stay well clear of you from now on,” Halfdan went on. “They ran away like a dragon was chasing them!”